PET bottles can be manufactured in a 1-stage process or a 2-stage process.
Discover the difference below:
1-stage (One-Step) Process:
- In the 1-stage process, the entire manufacturing process is carried out in one machine.
- The pre-forms (small tubes of molten PET granules) are blown directly into the desired bottle shape.
- This process is fast and efficient, but it requires a sophisticated machine capable of both melting and blowing.
2-stage (Two-Step) Process:
The 2-stage process is divided into two separate steps:
- Preform production:
- In this phase, the pre-forms are created. This is done in a separate machine. These can also be purchased on the market from a manufacturer of the pre-forms.
- The pre-forms are shaped like small tubes and are not yet inflated into bottles.
- Blowing:
- The pre-forms are sent to another machine to be blown into the final bottle shape.
- The 2-stage process is more flexible, as preform production and blowing can take place independently.
Summary:
- 1-stage: Faster, but requires an advanced machine.
- 2-stage: More flexible, but consists of two separate stages.
Both processes result in high-quality PET bottles suitable for food packaging and other applications. 🌟